AFLG vs SPY
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFLG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $757M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.71% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 216 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.29% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.33% | +20.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.12% | +21.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.17% | +12.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AFLG vs SPY Performance
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF (AFLG) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AFLG returned +20.33% while SPY returned +20.53%. Year to date, AFLG is up 14.29% versus a gain of 12.71% for SPY.
Over three years, AFLG compounded at +22.12% per year against +21.60% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.17% and +12.79% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFLG has the edge at +13.73% annualized vs +8.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFLG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -35.8% for AFLG and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFLG charges 0.55% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $9 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFLG currently yields 0.71% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AFLG and SPY share 182 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 48.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFLG or SPY?
AFLG has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFLG or SPY?
Over the past year AFLG returned +20.33% vs +20.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFLG annualized +13.73% vs +8.80% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFLG or SPY?
AFLG has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AFLG -35.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AFLG and SPY?
AFLG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AFLG and SPY?
AFLG and SPY share 182 common holdings with a 48.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFLG or SPY?
AFLG yields 0.71% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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